It's true - the world really is becoming a smaller place. With the recent decrease in the price of international flights, more people are traveling internationally for both business and pleasure. Some people do it so often it's almost become a boring routine for them. But for most of us, an international flight is something we rarely do, so let's take a look at some ways to make sure you have a great flight.

One of the first things you need to think about is security. There's no doubt that security is much tighter on international flights than it used to be, and you need to allow for the fact that you may possibly be delayed at the airport. Allow plenty of time for pre-boarding inspections, and double check a few days ahead of your flight in case the airline has set any longer check in times. Also, check what the current restrictions are for cabin baggage, as many airlines have tightened up their rules.

When you're only flying locally for an hour or two, comfort isn't much of an issue, so it makes sense to get the possible price. But on an international flight, you could well be on the plane for 10 hours or more. After a few hours, you're going to wish you'd spend a few extra dollars for an increased level of comfort. That doesn't necessarily mean you need to pay for a first class ticket, but check leg room and the availability of entertainment for starters.

Still, it's always good to get the best price you can. Be aware that many travel agents will usually look for the international fight that gets you where you want to go as quickly as possible. But that's not always the best solution. Perhaps if you traveled a day earlier or later, you could get a better fare.

Another option, particularly if you're traveling to a smaller city, is to only book your flight to the nearest main hub. For example, if you want to go somewhere in Europe, you might book your international flight to London. Then you can shop around for the best price on the European sector of your journey. Often a change of airline and moving from international to domestic can save you a lot of money. Traveling to destinations in Asia often works the same way.

Also, consider booking your airfare and hotel accommodation in one package. Often these provide some great deals, without having to sacrifice comfort. Just buying a cheap airfare often means losing out on service or amenities, but you can often get good service at a bargain price if you package a few things together.

Traveling on an international flight might be a once in a lifetime experience for you, so it's worth taking some time to research the best deals, and making sure you fit in with the airline's requirements when it's time to travel.

Gordon Phillips
http://www.airtravelinfozone.com